What is a smile makeover?
In my opinion, a smile makeover is anything the patient wants to improve about their smile. It doesn't have to be grand; it can be something simple. Each patient has their own personal vision of how they want their smile to look, and that's all a smile makeover needs to be.
Are smile makeovers considered restorative or cosmetic dentistry?
The answer is, of course. As a prosthodontist, I approach my dentistry comprehensively. I want it to meet several goals: I want your mouth to be healthy, function properly so you can eat, and be cosmetically or aesthetically appropriate. The aesthetic component is often subjective. Some patients have low cosmetic demands, while others have specific desires.
Personally, I maintain my own aesthetic viewpoint for all my dentistry. Regardless of whether the patient thinks it needs to be cosmetic, I want to achieve that personally.
What are the goals of a smile makeover?
The goals are defined by the patient. The patient views their mouth from their own perspective, looking at it from various angles in their bathroom, car mirror, or pictures. They define the goals of a smile makeover.
As a dental specialist, I help them understand the norms in dentistry, what looks natural versus artificial. I provide my educated opinion on teeth, but ultimately, I want to ensure they're happy with the result and that it meets their expectations.
Who would be a good candidate for a smile makeover?
Anyone who has teeth and cares about their appearance is a candidate. This is a broad answer, but it's true. As a dental specialist, I'm here to provide a service that could be small or require significant effort. I use my ethics to ensure I'm acting in the patient's best interest.
Some cosmetic requests might harm their dental health, and I must educate them to modify their expectations to align with reality and long-term health. The goal is to maintain their health, enable them to eat well, and ideally keep their teeth for a lifetime.
What kind of procedures are involved in a smile makeover?
The procedures vary widely. Anything impacting the appearance of the teeth can be part of a smile makeover. For instance, orthodontics might be involved, requiring a referral to an orthodontist. Periodontal or gum surgery might also be necessary, involving a periodontist. We discuss these options with the patient as we educate them on why their smile looks the way it does.
Each patient has different concerns, and we address those, whether it's showing too much gum when smiling or having dark teeth. Solutions can be as simple as teeth whitening or cosmetic bonding, which is conservative and usually doesn't require anesthetic. More involved procedures might include crowns, veneers, or even dentures, which allow full control over the teeth's shape, size, and placement. Implant-supported dentures or all-on-four restorations might also be involved, depending on what's best for each individual.
Will anesthesia be necessary for a smile makeover?
The answer is maybe. It depends entirely on what's needed. Tooth whitening and bonding often don't require anesthesia. However, crowns, veneers, or surgery might require local anesthesia. We deliver anesthesia kindly and gently, using techniques that ensure patients are comfortable. Often, patients are surprised at how painless the anesthesia process can be.
How long would it take to heal from a smile makeover?
The healing time varies based on the necessary procedures. Sometimes healing isn't required at all. For example, if no surgery is involved, no healing is necessary.
Orthodontic treatments might take 18 months, followed by additional healing time for surgery and veneers or crowns. The process could take up to two years for the best result, although that's an extreme case. Each treatment plan should be customized thoughtfully, considering the ethical implications.
Smile makeovers are a marketing term not taught in dental school, but I want patients to choose my services because they believe I'm the right person to help them, not because of marketing.
Can you resume normal brushing and flossing after a smile makeover?
Resuming normal brushing and flossing after a smile makeover is recommended and desired. While wearing temporary restorations, we might ask you to be gentle in certain areas to avoid dislodging them. However, maintaining good oral hygiene is always encouraged, and we provide instructions and guidelines as needed.
How can you schedule an appointment to discuss a smile makeover?
Our office is ready to see new patients for consultations. As a prosthodontist, I schedule new patient exams consistently, offering an hour of my undivided attention. This includes a conversation about your history, goals, and desires, usually lasting about 20-25 minutes, followed by a comprehensive examination and discussion.
We engage in back-and-forth Q&A to align on what's possible, the options, the timeframe, and the potential costs involved. I enjoy the creative process of tailoring each smile makeover to fit your personality and budget. When you call our office, you'll be asked many questions because we are genuinely interested in you. My team and I aim to provide dentistry that is both high-quality and personally fulfilling.
Want to learn more? Call Schmitt Prosthodontics at (407) 478-4960 or email [email protected]. Our team is happy to answer your questions and help schedule your visit.